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Given butterflies symbolise growth, hope, freedom, femininity and more, it's easy to see why the butterfly tattoo is so popular. The emblem continually resurrects itself and it's an enduring symbol of transformation and metamorphosis – which is why it's been an important motif in many cultures for generations. 

But it also offers up a little nostalgia, given its popularity in the nineties and noughties. Mariah Carey dedicated a whole 1997 album to the insect ("spread your wings and fly, butterfly"), teensy butterfly clips decorated our hair and jewel encrusted butterflies bedazzled our tinted sunglasses. Now, it's become the emblem of a whole new generation as Gen Z reclaim the Y2K butterfly, which is probably why “butterfly tattoo” has over 460 million views on TikTok.

We love the double-whammy union of a classic and trending symbol in one beautiful design, especially when it comes to something you plan on inking on your body for eternity – or not, as was the case with Ariana Grande (perhaps the most famous stan of butterfly tattoos) whose duo of butterflies down her arm mysteriously disappeared over the space of a summer. Even so, her delicate inkings still provide pretty inspo.

Other famous fans include Vanessa Hudgens who has a butterfly on the back of her neck.

And Halsey who has a dainty butterfly perched on her right forearm.

And even Harry Styles who has a giant tatt dedicated to the insect across the front of his rib cage.

The beauty of a butterfly tattoo is that it works perfectly against the contours of your body whether you want one in flight xx, or perched on a shoulder blade.

Here's 37 of our favourite butterfly tattoo ideas…

Above the elbow

Lower back

Upper arm

Monarch butterfly on the shoulder

Middle finger

Sternum

Above the elbow

Above your bra

Behind the ear

Tripled up on the lower forearm

Butterfly and face

Duo on the ribcage 

Back of the hand

Half and half on your wrist

Blue butterfly on the shoulder

Delicate wrist butterfly

Large shoulder blade butterfly

Triple butterfly design

Upper arm 

Ribcage trio

Shoulder blade

Neck trio

A kaleidoscope of butterflies on the wrist

Inner arm below the elbow

Nape

Side of the wrist

Thumb print butterfly above the elbow, inner arm

Inner arm, above the elbow

Blue butterfly below the collarbone

Lower arm sleeve

Back of the shoulder

Lower inner arm

Duo behind the ear

Above the wrist

Back of the upper arm

Lower arm 

Up the side of the ribcage

For more from GLAMOUR's Beauty Editor, Elle Turner, follow her on Instagram @elleturneruk 

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